The Bangkok Post reports that Ericsson and ZTE have criticised the 3G infrastructure supply contract process being undertaken by state-owned Thai operator TOT, after both companies were “tentatively” put out of the running for the deal by the initial screening process. According to the paper, Ericsson was disqualified for “the absence of catalogues for antenna-related products in its submitted bid,” while ZTE was accused of providing “unrealistic financial calculations.” Ericsson has said that TOT was “unfair and non-transparent” during the process, while ZTE said it could shave THB5 billion (US$164 million) from the cost of the project if it was selected.

Four groups participated in the first-round bidding, with groups made up of Samart, Loxely, Huawei and Nokia Siemens Networks; and Advanced Information Technology, United Communications and Alcatel-Lucent, still in the running. An “e-auction” is scheduled to take place next week to decide the winner, with contracts set to be signed in mid-February 2011. TOT is looking for suppliers to both build-out a new 3G network and to upgrade its existing infrastructure in Bangkok. The Bangkok Post claimed that if only two companies participate in the tender, there is a possibility that “collusion” would occur, leading the operator – and therefore the government – to pay more for its equipment.